Earlier than Iceland, highway journeys had been simply easy highway journeys. Nonetheless, cruising by lava fields, waterfalls, and glacier lagoons in the course of July? This modified one thing in me. Iceland doesn’t simply invite journey, it calls for it. One second, you’re sipping espresso beside a black sand seashore. The subsequent time you’re watching a geyser explode sky-high.
If you’re planning your first time in Iceland, summer season is your greatest pal. You’re going to get open roads and lengthy sunlight hours. Whether or not you’re going with a gaggle of mates or flying solo like I did, you may go for a motorhome rental setup to take pleasure in most freedom.
This Iceland highway journey itinerary 7 days was the candy spot. It’s lengthy sufficient to do a loop across the nation and quick sufficient to maintain plans versatile. Undergo it to get all the main points and plan your trip correctly.
Why 7 Days Is Sufficient For A Street Journey In Iceland
You could be questioning, “Can I actually see Iceland in only a week?” Completely. You’ll not hike each volcano or soak in each scorching spring. Nonetheless, you may see the most effective of the nation in seven days, as you’ll have lengthy sunlight hours. Additionally, the area has well-maintained roads.
The well-known Iceland ring highway itinerary is a full circle (Route 1) that runs about 1,300 kilometers. If you happen to follow it principally, seven days is a lot to go to main pure wonders and some hidden gems. Simply be prepared for early begins and spontaneous stops as a result of the area calls for it.
A 7 day itinerary Iceland will can help you discover valleys and chase a number of waterfalls. In addition to this, you’ll nonetheless have time to nap subsequent to a glacier. One of the best half is that you may be transferring day by day, however you’ll by no means really feel rushed.
Planning The Journey
Finest Time To Go to: Why Summer time Wins
Summer time (June to August) is peak highway journey season in Iceland for a cause:
- The roads are snow-free and open, even in distant areas.
- You get 24 hours of daylight practically. Say hey to Midnight Solar.
- Puffins, wildflowers, and accessible campsites in all places.
I traveled in July, and I had no points with highway closures or darkness. You could really feel stunned, however I even hiked at 10 p.m. and not using a headlamp.
Packing Necessities
Packing for Iceland is all about layers and sensible decisions. Listed below are some issues to hold.
- Waterproof jacket & boots (rain is unpredictable)
- Heat layers, like fleece, thermal shirts, and so on.
- Sleep masks (the solar doesn’t set)
- Energy financial institution & automotive USB charger
- Cooking fundamentals, like a conveyable range, utensils, and so on.
- Reusable grocery luggage
- Offline maps & printed itinerary
Selecting Your Automobile
One of the essential choices you’ll make to your Iceland highway journey itinerary 7 days is the way you’ll journey. There are three important methods to discover the nation by highway. Allow us to undergo them.
Campervan
It’s a well-liked selection amongst budget-conscious vacationers. Campervans are compact and environment friendly. They arrive with a mattress platform and a fundamental kitchen setup. Additionally, you get space for storing. Whereas not as spacious as motorhomes, they provide sufficient consolation for {couples} or solo vacationers.
Professionals
- Higher gas effectivity
- Simpler to park
- Extra inexpensive
Cons
- Much less insulation from chilly or wind
- Restricted house for standing or cooking indoors
It’s excellent for versatile vacationers doing an Iceland campervan journey, particularly throughout summer season when campsites and services are absolutely open.
Motorhome
We selected a motorhome for the added consolation, and it made all of the distinction. With built-in beds, a full kitchen, a rest room, and even heating, it felt like a cell cabin. It’s excellent for unpredictable Icelandic climate.
I discovered a fantastic motorhome rental Iceland service that supplied insurance coverage and limitless mileage. We rented by Camper Rental Iceland, which manages motorhome and RV leases throughout the nation. The reserving course of was easy and straightforward. Their route guides and 24/7 roadside help proved invaluable.
Professionals
- Spacious
- Heat
- Impartial of campsite facilities
Cons
- Bigger measurement means trickier parking
- Barely greater rental/gasoline prices
Common Automotive + Motels/Airbnbs
For many who choose to sleep indoors and don’t thoughts pre-booking lodging, a daily automotive works nice. You may nonetheless cowl a lot of the Ring Street and benefit from the views.
Professionals
- Nice for luxurious seekers
- Excellent for off‑season journeys
Cons
- Much less spontaneity
- Reliant on lodge verify‑ins
- No likelihood for wild overnights by waterfalls
The 7-Day Itinerary: Day-By-Day Breakdown
Day 1: Reykjavík – Golden Circle – In a single day Close to Selfoss
- Route: Reykjavík – Þingvellir – Geysir – Gullfoss – Selfoss
- Drive Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Distance: 200 to 230 km Approx.
We picked up our motorhome early in Reykjavík and hit the Golden Circle. Our first cease was Þingvellir Nationwide Park. Right here, you may stroll between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
The subsequent cease was the Geysir geothermal space. It’s house to Strokkur. It erupts each 5–10 minutes, capturing scorching water meters into the sky. It’s fairly loud. Additionally, you need to carry a rain jacket as you’re going to get sprayed.
We wrapped up at Gullfoss, a roaring two-tier waterfall. It’s wild and windy. We stayed there longer than deliberate, because it’s unforgettable.
Tenting Suggestion
Gesthús Selfoss: It’s nice for showers and laundry. Plus, it’s inside strolling distance of the city.
Day 2: Waterfalls And Black Sand Seashores – Vik
- Route: Selfoss – Seljalandsfoss – Skógafoss – Aircraft Wreck – Reynisfjara – Vik
- Drive Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Distance: 150 to 190 km Approx.
At the present time was all about Iceland’s most dramatic surroundings.
Seljalandsfoss was our first waterfall. You may stroll behind it, which sounds dreamy till you’re soaking moist. Just some minutes down the highway is Skógafoss, which is considered one of Iceland’s largest falls. Simply climb the five hundred+ stairs to the highest. I imply it, you’ll benefit from the view on the high as it’s definitely worth the hassle.
We hiked out to the Sólheimasandur Aircraft Wreck, which sits on a black-sand plain. The stroll felt lengthy however was flat and quiet.
We ended the day at Reynisfjara. It’s the most well-known black sand seashore of Iceland. There are towering basalt stacks and highly effective waves that make this spot really feel otherworldly.
Tenting Suggestion
Vik Tenting: It’s cozy and clear. Additionally, it’s inside strolling distance of retailers.
Hidden Gem
Go to the lesser-known Gljúfrabúi waterfall proper subsequent to Seljalandsfoss. It’s a must to stroll by a stream to succeed in it inside a cave.
Day 3: Jökulsárlón & Glacier Lagoon
- Route: Vik – Fjaðrárgljúfur – Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Höfn
- Drive Time: 4 to five hours
- Distance: 270 to 290 km Approx.
This was considered one of my favourite days on the highway.
We began early to move east. We stopped at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon first. It’s a mossy canyon that appears like a fairytale. We entered Vatnajökull Nationwide Park after the canyon. You may witness the biggest glacier in Europe and really feel its presence within the air.
We hiked the path to Svartifoss. It’s a waterfall framed by placing black basalt columns. We got here to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon after the hike. It was the spotlight of the day. There have been large glaciers floating within the water. Additionally, you may see Diamond Seashore proper throughout the highway with crystal-like ice on black sand.
Tenting Suggestion
Höfn Tenting: It’s proper by the ocean. You may take pleasure in stunning dawn views. On high of this, you get good native eating choices.
Day 4: East Fjords Drive
- Route: Höfn – Djúpivogur – Breiðdalsvík – Seyðisfjörður
- Drive Time: 4 to five hours
- Distance: 270 to 280 km Approx.
This was probably the most peaceable leg of our Iceland highway journey itinerary. We drove alongside the shoreline. There have been fewer vacationers within the East Fjords. So, our journey was fairly quiet.
Listed below are the main points of our stops.
- Djúpivogur: You may cease for espresso. Additionally, you may take pleasure in a coastal stroll.
- Breiðdalsvík: It’s a peaceable place with artwork galleries and mountain views.
- Seyðisfjörður: It’s well-known for a rainbow-painted highway and colourful properties. Take your time right here as a result of it’s magical.
Day 5: Mývatn & Dettifoss
- Route: Seyðisfjörður – Dettifoss – Hverir – Lake Mývatn – Mývatn Nature Baths
- Drive Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Distance: 250 km Approx.
When you cross North Iceland, all the pieces will change. You’ll witness a volcanic terrain that may really feel like a sci-fi film. Our first cease was Dettifoss. It’s the strongest waterfall in Europe. From there, we drove to Hverir. It’s a geothermal hotspot full of effervescent mud pots and steam vents. The sulfur scent hits arduous, however the view is great.
Then we reached Lake Mývatn. It’s recognized for its unusual lava formations and mossy craters. Additionally, you’ll discover a number of birdlife. We spent the afternoon strolling round Dimmuborgir, a lava area that appears like historical ruins.
We ended the day soaking within the Mývatn Nature Baths. It’s a geothermal spa with clear waters.
Camped Suggestion
Vogar Campground: It’s a family-run place with a fantastic kitchen. On high of this, it’s near the character baths.
Day 6: Akureyri & Whale Watching (Elective: Húsavík)
- Route: Mývatn – Goðafoss – Akureyri – Húsavík (non-obligatory)
- Drive Time: 2–3 hours
- Distance: 160 to 220 km Approx. with detour
We started the day at Goðafoss, a dramatic waterfall tied to Iceland’s pagan historical past. It’s broad and delightful. Additionally, it’s near the Ring Street.
Then we arrived in Akureyri. It’s the second-largest metropolis of Iceland. It felt like a metropolis after days of waterfalls and sheep.
Within the afternoon, we took a detour to Húsavík. It’s the whale watching capital of Europe. You’ll take pleasure in a number of issues, like:
- Picket boats
- Puffin sightings
- Humpback whales, and so on.
Professional Tip
E book your whale excursions upfront in the event you’re touring in July/August.
Tenting Suggestion
Hamrar Campsite: It’s fairly spacious and scenic. Additionally, it’s near city with strolling trails and scorching showers.
Day 7: Again To Reykjavík (By way of Hraunfossar Or Inland)
- Route: Akureyri – Grábrók Crater – Hraunfossar – Reykjavík
- Drive Time: 5 to six hours
- Distance: 400 km Approx.
We began early for the lengthy drive again to Reykjavík. We prevented the tunnel and went the scenic inland route. Our first leg introduced us to Grábrók Crater. It’s a quick hike that’s definitely worth the views of lava fields.
Subsequent, we visited Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. The sequence of waterfalls emerges from beneath a lava area. It is likely one of the most unusual waterfalls I’ve ever seen. The water doesn’t fall from cliffs. It seeps out from the lava.
After this, we stopped at Deildartunguhver. It’s a scorching spring the place you may bathe and chill out. There’s a spa close by. We ended our journey and rolled into Reykjavík, drained however grateful.
Sensible Ideas for the Street
Tenting Legal guidelines In Iceland
Wild tenting is not authorized except you may have written permission. So, it’s best to stay to marked campsites. There are a whole lot of them, and lots of have glorious services.
Gas And Driving Situations
Gasoline stations are plentiful alongside the Ring Street, however much less so within the East. All the time high off your tank at 50%. Look ahead to sheep close to the highway, and keep away from gravel shortcuts except your automobile permits it.
Showers, Cooking, And Water
- Showers: Present in nearly all campsites. Additionally accessible on the town swimming swimming pools.
- Cooking: Many campers embody stoves. Campsites typically have shared kitchens.
- Water: Utterly protected from faucets and most rivers. Convey refillable bottles.
Native Etiquette
- Don’t step on moss because it takes 100+ years to develop.
- Go away no trash behind.
- Respect bathing guidelines: bathe earlier than coming into swimming pools.
- Be aware of drone use because it’s restricted in lots of areas.
Last Ideas: Would I Do It Once more?
Completely, I’ll go for it unquestionably.
In a heartbeat. Iceland is wild, sincere, and delightful. Doing it by camper made all of the distinction. There have been no inflexible lodge check-ins, and no strict timelines. You may take pleasure in nature in your phrases.
This Iceland highway journey itinerary gave me the pliability to chase sunsets and nap beside waterfalls. If you happen to’re dreaming of freedom on the highway, Iceland in summer season is asking. Undergo the 7-day journey to be able to create your individual model based on your individual wants.